Lincoln City moved three points closer to the SkyBet League One title, with a professional 2-1 victory over an impressive Leyton Orient side.
A Jack Moylan strike and a Will Forrester own goal gave the Imps a two goal lead in front of a packed out LNER Stadium, before Dom Ballard pulled one back with what would be just a consolation.
Michael Skubala made just one change from the side that confirmed promotion to the EFL Championship in Reading, with Moylan coming in for Dom Jeffries.
However, City’s head-coach was forced to make another change before kick-off as Ivan Varfolomeev pulled out of the starting 11 – being replaced by Tom Bayliss.
A strong first half advantage
Dom Ballard almost gave the visitors the perfect start, as within the first minute the young forward cut on to his right foot and curled an effort narrowly past George Wickens’ far post.
The Imps responded quickly, with captain Tendayi Darikwa parading into the Orient area and firing a powerful effort into the side netting. The rapid start continued as this time, Reeco Hackett was picked out by Ryan Oné and came close from the edge of the area.
Hard work from Ben House almost led to an Imps opener, as his pressing won the ball high up the pitch, but after House found Oné, his strike was tame and easily held by Will Dennis.
The Imps pressure was unrelenting, as a Hackett set piece was met by the head of Oné, who forced another stop out of Dennis.
Michael Skubala’s side took the lead from the resulting corner, as the delivery was only cleared as far as Jack Moylan who volleyed past the outstretched ‘keeper.
The O’s looked to restore parity before the break, but George Wickens did well to react quickest to the loose ball.
The visitors took control of the closing stages of the first half, seeing the majority of the ball but struggling to create any clearcut chances. A corner almost paved the way for Richie Wellens’ side to equalise but once again, Wickens dealt with the danger.
Tom James struck a powerful free kick from 25 yards that troubled George Wickens and could only be punched away for another visiting corner. Shortly after, Demetri Mitchell forced a diving stop from Wickens.
Against the momentum, Lincoln City doubled their lead seconds before half time. Ryan Oné squared an inconspicuous ball across the Orient six yard box, that despite having time to clear, was shanked into his own goal by Will Forrester.
Seeing out the win
The Imps went into the break two goals to the good after a first half that saw the visitors grow into the game, before masterminding their own downfall just seconds before the whistle.
City almost made it three within the first minute of the restart, as Tom Bayliss struck from range and forced a fine stop from Dennis.
Chances kept coming for the Imps, as Reeco Hackett picked out the side netting after some neat footwork. Minutes later, Oné took aim at the far top corner but his left footed effort curled wide.
Leyton Orient halved the deficit just past the 70th minute, as Idris El Mizouni’s cross was headed home by Dom Ballard. Imps defenders felt the young forward was offside but the officials were unmoved.
Orient pushed to find a leveller, but were met with a resolute Imps defence. Either side made a plethora of changes, as Skubala’s side saw out the win professionally.
The win moves Lincoln City to just four points away from mathematically confirming the title. They travel to Stevenage next Saturday.
For Leyton Orient, they stay 15th and host Mansfield Town on Tuesday.